The stairwell doesn’t always get the attention it deserves! There are just some parts of the home that will never get the same attention as a kitchen, living room, or bedroom. It’s often a transitional space, a place you pass through on the way somewhere else, but it can hold just as much personality and style!
It’s my job as a color consultant/color specialist to help homeowners bring life, energy, and personality to all parts of their home, including the stairwell! Now, one of the biggest design challenges for stairwells is lighting. Unlike many other areas of the home, stairwells often lack direct natural light, which means the interior lighting you choose needs to carry the weight.
Warm sconces can make the space glow, while recessed lighting tucked into stair risers can add a subtle effect. To keep the stairwell from feeling closed in, I almost always suggest lighter wall colors that help bounce light and make the area feel more spacious; stairwells are great for soft neutrals, off-whites, or even a pale blush or creamy tones, which can feel fresh without being overpowering.
Picture a contemporary/minimalist space, but with warm accents and sleek lines. Polished wood floors and a black metal railing punctuate crisp white walls with clarity. Subtle lighting warms the staircase while natural wood accents keep it from feeling too stark.
Colors in stairwells do more than just cover the walls; they set the mood for a space you pass through multiple times a day. Dark tones like navy or charcoal can be dramatic and grounding, but they’ll need balanced lighting to avoid feeling cave-like. If your stairwell is already on the darker side, stick with inviting mid- to light-toned hues that reflect/bounce light. Dynamic accent walls, or an accent color on the stair treads, help tremendously to break up the visually predictable look some stairwells have.
Picture this: a neutral tile floor with soft beige walls and a crisp white railing. A colorful carpet leading up the stairs adds both comfort and practicality, especially for busy households. A console table with a mirror and a small potted plant adds some much-needed nature to accompany the scene!
A stairwell doesn’t have sofas, coffee tables, or rugs to take center stage. The stairwell railing has more clout than any other railings in your home. Traditional wood railings add warmth and character, while sleek black metal or glass railings can transform the space into something more contemporary. Then, there are more elaborate/orange railing designs, something you might find with Victorian interior design. Whether curved wrought iron or geometric patterns, they can even serve as functional sculpture, adding visual interest and a bit of unexpected design.
Imagine slate tiles ground the space with deep earthy richness, while raw timber pairs beautifully with wrought-iron railings that curl in delicate scrolls; this combo feels commanding but also welcoming (and a little fun!)!
The stair treads and risers themselves are part of the story, too. Natural wood stairs bring texture and timelessness, while painted risers can inject playful color. A painted staircase in soft blue, gray, or period green, with stained wood treads, adds just the right amount of contrast. If you have a more contemporary space, floating stairs with open risers can make it much more welcoming, airier, and edgy!
Don’t forget the finishing touches. A stairwell is a perfect place to showcase gallery walls, family photos, or even bold wallpaper! Vertical stripes can elongate the walls, while an oversized mural can turn the climb upstairs into an experience.
I know that stairwells might not be rooms where you linger, but they’re spaces you pass through daily. Why not make them lively, inviting, visually interesting, and well-lit!? No area in your home deserves to look and feel uninspired.
